“For the landscape industry, it is extremely important to understand our ability to continue to work in these various states and localities,” NALP says in a press release.
The landscape industry includes lawn care, landscape maintenance, tree care, water management, design/build and irrigation, and it is a $98 billion-dollar industry that employs more than 1 million people in the U.S.
“Professional landscape, lawn care and tree care companies take employee and client safety very seriously, employing regular safety training and enforcing strong safety standards on the job,” NALP says in a press release.
The organization says that companies have put additional safety measures in place in response to COVID-19, including social distancing, flexible work times, remote work for office employees, increased sanitation and more.
NALP says it also encourages all industry companies to follow all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Federal, State and Local health and safety guidelines and regulations.
Since the majority of landscape work is done outdoors, involves limited contact with the public and is performed by either smaller crews or as one-man jobs, NALP says there is a lower risk of spreading COVID-19.
“Landscape and lawn care companies play an important role in keeping healthy people employed and supporting the economy,” NALP says in a press release. “The public health situation will continue to change over time, and company leaders will make their own decisions about how best to operate based on their individual circumstances.”
NALP has provided the most current information for each state. If there is an order in place, the organization says it has provided provisions of that order that are the most pertinent to the landscape industry.
NALP says this information can be used as a reference for landscape professionals to confirm whether their services are essential and can continue to conduct business.
NALP says they are continuing to communicate with officials in states that do not have explicit language exempting the landscape industry to provide further evidence of the essential nature of landscape services.
“The provisions cited below that do not explicitly exempt landscape services does infer the essential services the industry provides through maintenance, repair, sanitation and other provisions associated with the landscape industry and through our continued support of other essential businesses,” NALP says in a press release. “This remains a rapidly developing situation and we will update this website as we learn new information.”
NALP says it believes the green industry does, indeed, fit within the definition of “essential industries,” as referenced in the Department of Homeland Security’s Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response.
NALP further defended why landscape professionals should be deemed essential in a letter to State and Local officials. 
The organization says it also received further clarification from Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Black that the landscape industry is included.
“Georgia is blessed to have an incredibly diverse agricultural sector that includes everything from food producers and processors to landscape and green industries,” Black told the NALP. “We encourage local governments and decision makers to consider the central role all these industries and businesses play in our state and local economies as they make key decisions during this response.”
To see the most updated status on your state’s orders, click here.
Alabama
To date, no state order is in place that would impact landscape professionals
Alaska
No guidance at this time.
Arizona
To date, no state order is in place that would impact landscape professionals
Arkansas
To date, no state order is in place that would impact landscape professionals
California
State shelter in place order issued 3/19/2020.
On March 19, 2020, an order issued by the Governor restricting the continued operation of all non-essential businesses in the state became effective.
California initially followed the guidance provided by the Department of Homeland Security, Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response, in determining which industries are “essential” and can, therefore, remain in operation.
On March 22, California created the same list as DHS and made some minor amendments which can be found here.
The provision that includes landscape services is:
“Arborists, landscapers, gardeners, and similar service professionals, but only to the limited extent necessary to maintain the habitability, sanitation, operation of businesses or residences, or the safety of residents, employees, or the public (such as fire safety or tree trimming to prevent a dangerous condition), and not for cosmetic or other purposes (such as upkeep);”
Colorado
To date, no state order is in place that would impact landscape professionals
San Miguel County – local shelter in place order issued – 3/23/2020-4/3/2020
Connecticut
On March 22, 2020, an order issued by the Governor restricting the continued operation of all non-essential businesses in the state became effective. The order is currently set to expire on April 23, 2020.
Connecticut has followed the guidance provided by the Department of Homeland Security, Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response, in determining which industries are “essential” and can, therefore, remain in operation.
The provision that includes landscape services is:
“Workers such as plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences.”
Delaware
On March 24, 2020, an order issued by the Governor restricting the continued operation of all non-essential businesses in the state became effective. The order is currently set to expire on April 23, 2020.
The provision that includes landscape service is: “Administrative Support & Services – Services to Buildings and Dwellings” (NAICS Code 5617). The list specifically included the NACIS codes to assist in making determinations and the landscape industry falls within this NAICS code, as it is 561730.
List of essential businesses
Florida
To date, no state order is in place that would impact landscape professionals.
The following localities have enacted restrictions on businesses:
Miami Dade County
On March 19, 2020, an order issued by the Mayor restricting the continued operation of all non-essential businesses in the state became effective.
The provision that includes landscape service is: Landscape and pool care businesses, including residential landscape and pool care businesses.
Broward County
On March 23, 2020, an order issued by the Mayor restricting the continued operation of all non-essential businesses in the state became effective.
The provision that includes landscape service is: Landscape and pool care businesses, including residential landscape and pool care businesses.
Georgia
To date, no state order is in place that would impact landscape professionals
The following localities have enacted restrictions on businesses:
Athens-Clarke County – local shelter in place order issued – 3/23/2020 – 4/7/2020
Hawaii
To date, no state order is in place that would impact landscape professionals
Idaho
To date, no state order is in place that would impact landscape professionals
Illinois
On March 21, 2020, an order issued by the Governor restricting the continued operation of all non-essential businesses in the state became effective. The order will remain in effect until April 7, 2020.
The provision that includes landscape services is: Critical trades Plumbers, electricians, exterminators, cleaning and janitorial staff, security, etc.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity issued a document to assist businesses further determine their status. The document specifically includes landscape services: Can residential and commercial lawn service remain open? Yes. Many landscape projects will fit under an exemption such as construction, agriculture, or public works. Outdoor landscape projects generally will provide for good social distancing that poses little risk of transmission, but it still is important to ensure the ability to wash or sanitize hands and take other precautions.
Indiana
On March 25, 2020, an order issued by the Governor restricting the continued operation of all non-essential businesses in the state became effective. The order will remain in effect until April 6, 2020.
Indiana sites the guidance provided by the Department of Homeland Security, Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response, in determining which industries are “essential” and can, therefore, remain in operation; but Indiana also enhances the list.
The provision that includes landscape services is: Critical trades: Building, construction and other trades, including, but not limited to, plumbers, electricians, exterminators, operating engineers, cleaning and janitorial staff for commercial and governmental properties, security staff, HVAC, painting, moving and relocation services and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation and essential operation of residences, essential activities, and essential businesses and operations.
Order
Iowa
On March 17, 2020, an order issued by the Governor restricting the continued operation of all non-life sustaining retail businesses in the state became effective. The order will remain in effect until April 17, 2020.
The order does not restrict the landscape industry but limits “social gatherings” not to exceed 10 people.
Kansas
To date, no state order is in place that would impact landscape professionals
Kentucky
On March 23, 2020, an order issued by the Governor restricting the continued operation of all non-essential businesses in the state became effective. The order will remain in effect until April 17, 2020.
The order does not restrict the landscape industry.
Louisiana
On March 23, 2020, an order issued by the Governor restricting the continued operation of all non-essential businesses in the state became effective.
Louisiana has followed the guidance provided by the Department of Homeland Security, Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response, in determining which industries are “essential” and can, therefore, remain in operation.
The provision that includes landscape services is: “Workers such as plumbers, electricians, exterminators and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation and essential operation of residences.”
Maine
To date, no state order is in place that would impact landscape professionals
Maryland
On March 23, 2020, an order issued by the Governor restricting the continued operation of all non-essential businesses in the state became effective.
The provision that includes landscape services is: Building and property maintenance companies, including without limitation plumbers, electricians, HVAC service companies, roofers, environmental services companies, exterminators, arborists and landscapers.
Massachusetts
On March 24, 2020, an order issued by the Governor restricting the continued operation of all non-essential businesses in the state became effective. The order will remain in effect until April 7, 2020.
The provision that includes landscape services is: “Workers such as plumbers, electricians, exterminators, inspectors and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation and essential operation of residences, construction sites and projects, and needed facilities
Michigan
On March 24, 2020, an order issued by the Governor restricting the continued operation of all non-essential businesses in the state became effective. The order will remain in effect until April 13, 2020.
Michigan has followed the guidance provided by the Department of Homeland Security, Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response, in determining which industries are “essential” and can, therefore, remain in operation.
The provision that includes landscape services is: “Workers such as plumbers, electricians, exterminators and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation and essential operation of residences.”
Minnesota
To date, no state order is in place that would impact landscape professionals
Mississippi
To date, no state order is in place that would impact landscape professionals
Missouri
To date, no state order is in place that would impact landscape professionals
The following localities have enacted restrictions on businesses:
Kansas City
On March 24, 2020, an order issued by the Mayor restricting the continued operation of all non-essential businesses in the state became effective. The order will remain in effect until April 23, 2020.
The provision that includes landscape services is: “Plumbers, electricians, exterminators and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation and essential operation of residences, essential activities and essential businesses.”
St. Louis
On March 23, 2020, an order issued by the Mayor restricting the continued operation of all non-essential businesses in the state became effective. The order will remain in effect until April 22, 2020.
The provision that includes landscape services is: “Plumbers, electricians, exterminators and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation and essential operation of residences, essential activities and essential businesses.”
Montana
To date, no state order is in place that would impact landscape professionals
Nebraska
To date, no state order is in place that would impact landscape professionals
Nevada
On March 20, 2020, an order issued by the Governor restricting the continued operation of all non-essential businesses in the state became effective.
The provision that includes landscape services is: “Plumbers, electricians, exterminators, home security and other service providers who provide services necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operations of residences or businesses.”
New Hampshire
To date, no state order is in place that would impact landscape professionals
New Jersey
On March 16, 2020, an order issued by the Governor restricting the continued operation of all non-essential businesses in the state became effective.
The provision that includes landscape services is: “Examples of employees who need to be physically present at their worksite in order to perform their duties include, but are not limited to, law enforcement officers, firefighters and other first responders, cashiers or store clerks, construction workers, utility workers, repair workers, warehouse workers, lab researchers, information technology maintenance workers, janitorial and custodial staff and certain administrative staff.”
On March 22, 2020, the New Jersey Nursery and Landscape Association received guidance from the New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture that landscaping may continue in New Jersey provided they follow social distancing requirements laid out in the order.
New Mexico
To date, no state order is in place that would impact landscape professionals
New York
On March 22, 2020, an order issued by the Governor restricting the continued operation of all non-essential businesses in the state became effective.
The provision that includes landscape services is: “Essential Services Necessary to Maintain the Safety, Sanitation and Essential Operations of Residences or Other Essential Businesses, Including: General Maintenance.”
The New York State Nursery and Landscape Association reported that Nassau and Suffolk counties have announced that landscapers in New York state may perform essential services for property maintenance and safety, including care and maintenance of lawns and plants including plowing, mowing and plant care, but may not perform new installations. This is information that we have not yet had confirmed at the state level, but it has been shared publicly by these county governments. It applies statewide, not just to Nassau and Suffolk counties.
NALP is working with our partner associations in the state of New York to further verify.
North Carolina
On March 25, 2020, an order issued by the Governor restricting mass gathering, schools and certain retail establishments and events. The order will remain in effect until April 24, 2020.
The order does not restrict the landscape industry
North Dakota
To date, no state order is in place that would impact landscape professionals
Ohio
On March 23, 2020, an order issued by the Governor restricting the continued operation of all non-essential businesses in the state became effective. The order will remain in effect until April 6, 2020.
Ohio sites the guidance provided by the Department of Homeland Security, Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response, in determining which industries are “essential” and can, therefore, remain in operation; but Ohio also enhances the list.
The provision that includes landscape services is: “Critical Trades: Building, construction, and other trades, including, but not limited to, plumbers, electricians, exterminators, operating engineers, cleaning and janitorial staff for commercial and governmental properties, security staff, HVAC, painting, moving and relocation services, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, essential activities and essential businesses and Operations.”
Oklahoma
To date, no state order is in place that would impact landscape professionals
Oregon
On March 23, 2020, an order issued by the Governor restricting mass gathering, schools and certain retail establishments and events.
The order does not restrict the landscape industry
Pennsylvania
On March 23, 2020, an order issued by the Governor restricting the continued operation of all non-essential businesses in the state became effective.
The provision that includes landscape service is: “Administrative Support & Services – Services to Buildings and Dwellings; Includes Landscape services.”
Rhode Island
To date, no state order is in place that would impact landscape professionals
South Carolina
To date, no state order is in place that would impact landscape professionals
South Dakota
To date, no state order is in place that would impact landscape professionals
Tennessee
On March 23, 2020, an order issued by the Governor restricting mass gatherings, closing certain retail and in-person service businesses and call for all other businesses to utilize alternative business models. The order will be in effect until April 6, 2020.
The order does not restrict the landscape industry.
Texas
To date, no state order is in place that would impact landscape professionals. The state of Texas has indicated that any orders will be made by counties and cities.
The following localities have enacted restrictions on businesses:
Dallas County – Shelter in place order issued – 3/23/2020
Utah
To date, no state order is in place that would impact landscape professionals
Vermont
To date, no state order is in place that would impact landscape professionals
Virginia
On March 24, 2020, an order issued by the Governor restricting the continued operation of some retail non-essential businesses in the state became effective. The order will remain in effect until April 23, 2020.
The order focuses on retail and does not restrict the landscape industry but does include the following: “Professional businesses not listed above must utilize telework as much as possible. Where telework is not feasible, such businesses must adhere to social distancing recommendations, enhanced sanitizing procedures, and apply relevant workplace guidance from state and federal authorities, including the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry.”
Washington
On March 23, 2020, an order issued by the Governor restricting the continued operation of all non-essential businesses in the state became effective. The order will remain in effect until April 6, 2020.
Washington has followed the guidance provided by the Department of Homeland Security, Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response, in determining which industries are “essential” and can, therefore, remain in operation.
The provision that includes landscape services is: “Workers such as plumbers, electricians, exterminators and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences.”
West Virginia
On March 24, 2020, an order issued by the Governor restricting the continued operation of all non-essential businesses in the state became effective.
NALP is reviewing the language pertinent to the landscape industry
Wisconsin
On March 23, 2020, an order issued by the Governor restricting the continued operation of all non-essential businesses in the state became effective. The full order is not yet available.
Wyoming
To date, no state order is in place that would impact landscape professionals
